Clipping Options

Clipping horse

Caution: Because hair is an outgrowth of the skin, clipping may cause scabs. The root of the hair is contained in a depression called a hair follicle which becomes coarser and thicker with clipping and even darker with shaving.

A full body clip
(the most common US clip) resembles your horse’s summer coat yet leaves your horse the most exposed to the elements.

A hunter clip
allows your horse to stay cool under gallop while leaving legs and saddle area left intact.

In a
blanket clip
, only the shoulders and neck are clipped.

Trace clips
vary depending on the horse’s job and primary sweat areas. Generally, the back and legs are left unclipped.

A chaser clip
keeps the back warm by removing below the poll to the belly, legs are left unclipped.

Belly clips
cut hair along a minimal strip along the jugular groove, chest and under the barrel.

CLIPPING CAUTION

Because hair is an outgrowth of the skin, clipping may cause scabs. The root of the hair is contained in a depression called a hair follicle which becomes coarser and thicker with clipping and even darker with shaving.

CLIPPING QUOTES

“I apply one rule: If in work, my horses get clipped, rugged, hard feed and turnout all day. If not in work, they do not get clipped or rugged, just get supplements and hay as well being turned out all day. I have seen many horses with skin problems over the years from over clipping. In cases of post-clipping rashes, I advise my clients to wash the horse with warm water and Aloe Vera, in a sheltered environment 24 hours after the clipping.”
--Zeb-Graham Howard from the UK

“My friend in Florida used to work in a sales barn that clipped daily! Many show horses get clipped 2-10 times a season. I used to have to fight my trainer that [my horse] only gets clipped once a year. I clip in early November, that’s it.”
--Georgette Topakas from California

GRAPHIC BOX:

Options to discourage seasonal hair growth:

1. Maintain a consistent environment that avoids cold temperatures.

2. Utilize sheets (in 50-60 degrees) and blankets (in 30-49 degrees).

3. Add a controlled lighted area to your barn by August 1. Schedule 16 hours of continuous light with 8 hours of darkness (controlled by a timer).

A full body clip
(the most common US clip) resembles your horse’s summer coat yet leaves your horse the most exposed to the elements.

A hunter clip
allows your horse to stay cool under gallop while leaving legs and saddle area left intact.

In a
blanket clip
, only the shoulders and neck are clipped.

Trace clips
vary depending on the horse’s job and primary sweat areas. Generally, the back and legs are left unclipped.

A chaser clip
keeps the back warm by removing below the poll to the belly, legs are left unclipped.

Belly clips
cut hair along a minimal strip along the jugular groove, chest and under the barrel.

CLIPPING CAUTION

Because hair is an outgrowth of the skin, clipping may cause scabs. The root of the hair is contained in a depression called a hair follicle which becomes coarser and thicker with clipping and even darker with shaving.

CLIPPING QUOTES

“I apply one rule: If in work, my horses get clipped, rugged, hard feed and turnout all day. If not in work, they do not get clipped or rugged, just get supplements and hay as well being turned out all day. I have seen many horses with skin problems over the years from over clipping. In cases of post-clipping rashes, I advise my clients to wash the horse with warm water and Aloe Vera, in a sheltered environment 24 hours after the clipping.”
--Zeb-Graham Howard from the UK

“My friend in Florida used to work in a sales barn that clipped daily! Many show horses get clipped 2-10 times a season. I used to have to fight my trainer that [my horse] only gets clipped once a year. I clip in early November, that’s it.”
--Georgette Topakas from California

GRAPHIC BOX:

Options to discourage seasonal hair growth:

1. Maintain a consistent environment that avoids cold temperatures.

2. Utilize sheets (in 50-60 degrees) and blankets (in 30-49 degrees).

3. Add a controlled lighted area to your barn by August 1. Schedule 16 hours of continuous light with 8 hours of darkness (controlled by a timer).